Phlox is a popular perennial plant, valued for its long blooming period and vibrant flower clusters. When planting Phlox in areas with wildlife, gardeners often ask if deer will browse it. Phlox is generally categorized as deer-resistant, meaning it is not a preferred food source, but it is not completely deer-proof. The level of resistance depends significantly on the specific species planted and the environmental context of the garden.
The Palatability Spectrum of Phlox
The deer resistance of Phlox varies considerably across the genus, largely based on the plant’s texture and growth habit. Low-growing species, such as Phlox subulata, possess tougher, almost needle-like foliage that is physically less appealing to browsing animals. This dense, low growth habit and low nutrient density make it a poor option for deer seeking easy forage. Consequently, this type of Phlox is rarely disturbed and is a reliable choice for deer-prone areas.
Taller varieties, like the garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata), present a different profile that can be more attractive to deer. While the mature foliage of tall Phlox contains aromatic compounds and a slightly rough texture that generally deters browsing, the young, succulent growth is a different story. Deer are sometimes willing to nibble on the tender new shoots and flower buds, particularly in the spring when they are rich in nitrogen and moisture. This targeted browsing can prevent the plant from flowering without destroying the entire clump.
The inherent resistance across Phlox species is attributed to their unique chemical and physical defenses. The foliage often contains pungent or bitter-tasting substances that deer typically avoid in favor of sweeter plants. Also, the leaves of some varieties have a slightly fuzzy or rough surface texture, which deters animals that prefer smooth vegetation. These factors combine to push Phlox far down the list of preferred deer foods, but their effectiveness is not absolute.
Factors Influencing Deer Feeding Habits
While Phlox possesses intrinsic defenses, the decision of a deer to eat a plant is often determined by external, environmental pressures. High deer population density in a localized area can dramatically increase the likelihood of browsing on resistant plants like Phlox. When competition for preferred food sources becomes intense, deer are forced to expand their diet to include less palatable options to meet their nutritional needs. This pressure transforms a resistant plant into a potential food source.
Extreme weather conditions also impact deer foraging habits by limiting the availability of natural forage. During severe drought or harsh winters with deep snow cover, deer become less selective eaters. In these circumstances of nutritional stress, the need for calories and moisture overcomes their natural aversion to the taste or texture of Phlox. They will consume almost any available vegetation simply to survive.
The maturity and stage of the plant’s growth cycle is another extrinsic factor. Tender, newly emerging spring growth is consistently more appetizing to deer than hardened, mature foliage. Young plants, recently transplanted ones, or those producing soft flower buds provide accessible nutrients that can entice an otherwise uninterested deer. This highlights that “deer-resistant” means a plant is typically avoided, not guaranteed to be ignored.
Strategies for Deterring Deer
For gardeners dealing with persistent browsing, employing a layered approach to deterrence is the most effective method. Physical barriers offer the most reliable protection, especially for new or vulnerable plantings. Temporary netting or chicken wire cages can be placed around individual Phlox paniculata clumps during the spring to shield new shoots from deer. Installing a perimeter fence of at least seven to eight feet high is the only effective way to exclude deer from an entire garden area.
Repellents that target the deer’s sense of taste or smell are useful when applied consistently. Scent-based products, such as those containing rotten egg solids or dried blood, create an odor that signals danger to a deer’s sensitive nose. Taste-based deterrents, which include capsaicin (hot pepper) or denatonium benzoate, make the plant unpalatable after the first bite. These require reapplication every few weeks and following heavy rain to maintain effectiveness on new growth.
Strategic planting, often called companion planting, can help protect Phlox by placing it near plants with stronger, more offensive odors. Positioning Phlox close to aromatic herbs like lavender, rosemary, or Russian sage can help mask the Phlox’s scent and deter deer from approaching the area. This strategy utilizes the deer’s reliance on smell for foraging, creating a natural buffer zone around the desirable plants.